It wasn't the type of fireworks anyone was expecting.
A cavalry of firefighters descended upon Ness Lake Bible Camp on New Year's Eve to battle a blaze that has destroyed their gym. The 11th annual Polar Bear Dip, scheduled to take place at the camp at 2 p.m. has been postponed.
Around 10 p.m. the Ness Lake Volunteer Fire Department were paged to the camp, about 40 minutes northwest of Prince George. Eighteen members responded, but "it was evident very quickly that it was a very large structure fire, so we initiated our mutual aid immediately," said Ness Lake Fire Chief Paul Davenport.
They were quickly joined by the volunteer fire departments from Pilot Mountain, Beaverly and Buckhorn.
"It was one very large building that burned last night. We were able to contain it to that one, protecting the exposure of several buildings in close proximity," said Davenport. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Firefighters were working on the blaze until 8 a.m., with an investigation continuing Sunday afternoon.
Although Davenport said the fire was contained to one building, he said several buildings also sustained superficial damage.
A group of teenagers participating in the facility's New Year's Camp had to be evacuated, which the Ness Lake fire chief said he was happy to see done in an efficient manner.
"It was very apparent Ness Lake Bible Camp had a good emergency response plan. All kids and all staff were immediately accounted for... They did a great job of ensuring the safety of the children in their care," Davenport said.
Founded in 1953, the Ness Lake Bible Camp is owned and operated by CSSM Ministries, with more than 40,000 children participating in their camping programs since they opened.
